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December 3, 2003

Winter Arrives Early...
Even though it doesn't officially arrive for another 18 days the snow we received today makes it feel and look a lot like winter. I must admit it was pretty watching the wet snow fall this morning - covering the ground, looking as if a white blanket had been draped softly over everything. The snow was wet and beautifully clinging to the branches of the trees. We gardeners like the snow we had today - wet and drippy. Days like today are pretty easy to handle when it comes to winter weather. It is those plummeting temperatures and harsh Kansas winds that make me stay inside wishing for a warm, sunny spring day. Hopefully all of the snow that we get this winter (or fall) will be as pleasing as the one we received today.

I hate to say it but I still have bulbs to plant. I guess you can say that my procrastination has me in somewhat of a jam. I am going to wait and see if we are in for a warm-up anytime soon. If so that will be my big chance. I can see it now, I will be planting bulbs a week or two before Christmas! Oh well, better than not planting them at all. Hopefully I can get all of the Christmas decorations up, finish the shopping and still have time for planting bulbs. Does anyone want to wager a bet that the bulbs get lost in the shuffle?

If you are still looking for a terrific Christmas tree, garland, decorated wreaths or other Christmas goodies stop by The Sweet Onion! They have a wide selection of items to help you with decorating or gift buying! Tis the Season!

~ Shelly  

Are Poinsettias Poisonous?
It seems that every year about this time the rumor is resurrected that poinsettias are poisonous.  Though there may be an allergic reaction to the milky sap, there has never been a recorded case of poisoning.  This rumor has been so persistent that members of the Society of American Florists have sought to dispel it by eating poinsettia leaves for the press.  In the 1985 AMA Handbook of Poisonous and Injurious Plants, the poinsettia "has been found to produce either no effect (orally or topically) or occasional cases of vomiting.

Source

All Wrapped Up...
You've seen tree trunks wrapped up for the winter but do you really know why?   The aim of tree wrapping is to keep the trunk from heating unevenly on bright, sunny, winter days.  Bark tends to split as it cools rapidly after the winter sun has warmed the south and west sides of the tree.  Most Savvygardeners use commercially available tree wraps or put up canvas or burlap screens to shade young fruit trees.  But even a plank leaned up against the south side of the trunk will help.  Painting trunks with white latex paint is a technique common in orchards to achieve the same purpose.  You should consider these protective measures if you have young, tender-barked trees like fruit trees.

Pesticide Precautions...
This is a good time to remember that pesticides are dangerous poisons and must be stored properly for the winter months.  Store them in a frost-free location away from food and out of the reach of children.  If a pesticide is in a paper container, put the whole package in a plastic container and seal it well.  Be sure that all bottles and cans are tightly sealed and well labeled. 

Store liquid pesticides where temperatures will not fall below 40°F.  Too low a temperature may result in a breakdown of the chemical.  Also, if the liquid should freeze, there is the danger of the glass container breaking and scattering the chemical in the storage area.


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Winter Watering...
In case you haven't noticed, precipitation has been scarce lately.  Unfortunately this time of year it's all too easy to forget about your lawn and garden's watering needs.  Unless we get some decent rain (or snow) you should try to get about ½ to one inch of water to your lawn and evergreens every two weeks.  Perennial and bulb beds can be watered every month.

Still Time To Till...
Autumn is an excellent time to add organic materials and till garden soils. However, even winter can be a good time to take care of this chore as long as the soil isn’t frozen. It is far wiser to till now than to wait until spring when cold, wet conditions can limit your ability to work soils easily. Working soil when it is wet destroys soil structure and results in hard clods that are very slow to break down.

There is a limitation to how much organic material such as leaves can be added in one application. Normally, a layer 5 to 6 inches deep is the maximum that can be added at one time. Shredding the material before application will encourage faster and more complete decomposition due to increased surface area.

Source

 


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Winter Wisdom...
I
f you have been outstandingly good this year, someone, maybe even a family member, may be thoughtful enough to brighten your home during the holidays with one of the plants which have been associated over the years with Christmastide.  It's not just about Poinsettias anymore!  Find out about amaryllis and Christmas cactus in this week's Winter Wisdom...

Christmas Tree Care...
Regular readers of this newsletter know that the marsh family always buys a Frasier Fir for our Christmas tree.  We love Frasier's for their short, but soft needles and their wonderful shape.  Everyone has a favorite tree but regardless of your preference it's important to take care of it once it's home for beauty and safety reasons alike.

Your tree should have a fresh cut across the bottom, about 1 inch above the old base.  This removes any clogged wood that may not readily absorb water.  Next, it  should be placed in a stand with a large reservoir of water.  Depending upon the size, species, and location of the tree, it may absorb a gallon of water in the first day, so it should be checked frequently and re-watered as necessary.  Although some people advocate placing various substances in the water to preserve freshness, we recommend that you just keep the tree well-watered with regular tap water.

It is important that the tree always be kept watered and not allowed to dry out.  If the tree does become dried out, it may not be able to adequately absorb moisture once it is re-watered, and it will shed its needles prematurely.  A good rule of thumb is to treat a green Christmas tree just like a fresh bouquet of cut flowers. 

Your Christmas tree should be located in a safe place, preferably near a wall or corner where it is not likely to be knocked over.  Keeping the tree away from heat sources such as hot air ducts, wood stoves, fireplaces, etc., will help to preserve freshness and lessen fire danger.  Similarly, light cords and connections used in decorating the tree should be in good working condition.  Lights should always be turned off at bedtime or when leaving for an extended period of time. 

Fresh, well-watered Christmas trees do not represent a fire hazard.  Trees that are dried out, however, do.  The best fire retardant is to keep the tree supplied with plenty of water.

Source

Finally...
"Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom."

~ Marcel Proust

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